Rising wealth of Asians straining world fish stock

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U.N. marine experts say rising wealth in Asia and fishing subsidies are among factors driving overexploitation of the world's fish resources, while fish habitat is being destroyed by pollution and climate change.

U.N. experts warned in a report Tuesday that up to 32 percent of the world's fish stocks are overexploited, depleted or recovering. Up to half of the world's mangrove forests and a fifth of coral reefs that are fish spawning grounds have been destroyed.

The U.N. Environment Programme says less-destructive ways of fishing that use more labor and less energy are needed to help restore the health of the world's oceans and coasts.

The agency is leading a five-day conference in Manila of experts and officials from 70 governments.